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Incidental finding of Zygomyceteslike hyphae in the placenta. A case report
N Kambham1, D S Heller, I Weitzman
1Department of Pathology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
Background:
Zygomycetes is a class of saprophytic fungi causing opportunistic infections. These fungi can cause six distinct clinical manifestations, which can be fatal without rapid diagnosis and treatment. The fungi have a predilection for blood vessel invasion, causing thrombosis, infarction and necrosis of the tissue.
Case:
A 25-year-old black woman, a drug abuser, delivered a female infant and the placenta en route to the hospital. The estimated gestational age of the infant was 35 weeks. The infant and mother had an unremarkable hospital course. Evaluation of the placenta revealed extensive involvement of the membranes, umbilical cord and chorionic plate by fungal hyphae without any surrounding inflammation. These hyphae were seen invading blood vessels, but there was no evidence of thrombosis or necrosis. The morphology of the hyphae was consistent with Zygomycetes. The mother was contacted and claimed to be well.
Conclusion:
Only one case of placental involvement by Mucor has been published since 1966. Despite the observation of Zygomyceteslike hyphae in the placenta, both the mother and infant were reported to be doing well.
Insights
Zygomycetes fungi can cause serious opportunistic infections. This case highlights placental involvement by Zygomycetes-like fungi in a newborn, with both mother and infant remaining well.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Zygomycetes are opportunistic fungi causing severe infections.
- These fungi can lead to fatal outcomes if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
- They exhibit a tendency for blood vessel invasion, resulting in thrombosis, infarction, and necrosis.
Observation:
- A placenta was evaluated after a 35-week gestational age infant's delivery.
- Extensive fungal hyphae, consistent with Zygomycetes, were found on the membranes, umbilical cord, and chorionic plate.
- Hyphae invaded blood vessels without evidence of thrombosis or necrosis.
Findings:
- The placental morphology indicated Zygomycetes infection.
- Despite extensive fungal presence, the mother and infant had an unremarkable clinical course.
- This represents a rare instance of placental Zygomycetes involvement with a favorable outcome.
Implications:
- This case suggests that placental Zygomycetes infection may not always lead to adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.
- Further research is needed to understand the full spectrum of Zygomycetes placental infections.
- Early identification and management remain crucial for potentially life-threatening fungal infections.